Upon receiving a Distress alert, what is the first action you should take?

The first action to take upon receiving a Distress alert is to silence the alarm and read the display screen. This step is critical because it allows the operator to verify the nature of the alert and gather essential information about the situation immediately. By silencing the alarm, you can focus on what is being displayed without the distraction of the alert sound. The display typically provides details such as the type of distress (e.g., distress call, emergency position-indicating radio beacon), the identity of the vessel in distress, and sometimes the position and nature of the emergency.

Taking this initial step ensures that you have accurate information before proceeding to any further actions, such as confirming the alert with the vessel’s Master or listening for subsequent voice communications. This methodical approach fosters a more effective and organized response to a potentially life-threatening situation.